Mariners reported to have signed young Dominican star

It might be awhile before he makes an impact, but the Seattle Mariners have once again reached into the international ranks to sign a promising young prospect.

According to this report on baseballamerica.com, two newpapers in the Dominican Republic are saying the Mariners gave a $2 million signing bonus to Guillermo Pimentel, a 16-year-old outfielder who was also being sought by the Texas Rangers.

Major League teams can sign international players — who aren’t subject to the amateur draft — starting July 2. The Mariners have previously landed players like Jose Lopez, Felix Hernandez and young infield prospect Carlos Triunfel in that fashion.

Pimentel is a 6-foot-2 youngster who hits left-handed and reportedly has good power.

Here’s a brief amateur video of Pimentel, which doesn’t show a lot more than the fact that he is indeed a good-sized lad.